All dogs are awesome – but not made the same. Some dogs are more likely to have health issues that limit their movement, while others are natural athletes that can easily get sporty and take on challenging physical activities. Before you learn how to run with your dog, find out if it’s actually safe to run with your furry friend. You may be better off finding another running partner (and a new hobby to enjoy with your dog). Can you guess which breeds make the best running dogs? Read on to find out the answer.
What are the best dogs to run with?
First things first. Before you learn how to run with your dog safely, you’ll want to make sure your dog is well-suited to your new hobby. Not all dogs are cut out for long runs. There are several factors that go into determining if a dog is well-suited for running. These include:
- breed
- age
- health condition
For some breeds, running may actually be bad for their well-being, so before you hit the road, consider your dog’s health, build, and breed. Pugs and bulldogs, for example, are likely to suffer from respiratory and overheating issues. Older dogs may have joint problems that can make running uncomfortable. So, before you make a running schedule for you and your pup, get a health check from your vet. Just like humans need a doctor to clear them for exercise, our four-legged friends do too.
Let’s now look at these factors which can affect a dog’s running ability in more detail.
Best running dogs by breed
One of the main indicators you can use to determine if a dog is capable of running safely with you or not is their breed. Some dog breeds find it easy and natural to run, while others simply can’t keep up. Breed typically determines if a dog’s body is suited for running or not.
In general, large breeds with long legs make the best running dogs.
Considering their size, bone structure, and overall physical disposition, these dog breeds make the best dogs to run with:
- Huskies
- Australian Shepherds
- Greyhounds
- Labradors
- Golden Retrievers
- Dalmatians
- Poodles
- Border Collies
- Weimaraners
If you have one of these dog breeds, grab your shoes – its most likely safe to go running with your dog.
These dog breeds don’t make good runners
On the other hand, dogs with shorter legs and a smaller nose are not well suited to running or jogging. Due to their “smushed” face, they will experience problems breathing while running. Among those are:
